News

Washington, D.C., April
26, 2013—Today
Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA) introduced The Residential Energy and Economic
Savings (TREES) Act, which will help lower energy usage and utility
bills through the targeted planting of residential shade trees. The legislation
is being introduced on Friday, April 26 – National Arbor Day as well as the
birthday of Frederick Law Olmsted, the founder of American landscape
architecture.

The Residential Energy and Economic Savings (TREES) Act explicitly
cites the benefits of proper tree siting, including stormwater management,
reduced energy load demand, and carbon sequestration. It would establish a
grant program to assist electricity providers in planting shade trees to
insulate residential buildings and minimize home heating and cooling demands.

The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) worked closely with the Congresswoman’s office on
drafting the language of the legislation. Representative Matsui included ASLA’s
recommendations, including:

establishing an education campaign to help
residents maintain their shade trees

requiring monitoring and reporting on the
survival, growth, overall health, and estimated savings of the provided trees

requiring tree recipients to care for the trees

Moreover, the legislation would also allow ASLA to recommend
a landscape architect to participate on the local technical advisory committees
to provide advice and consultation to the program.

“As we continue to tackle the combined challenges of high
energy costs and the effects of climate change, it is essential that we put in
place innovative policies and forward-thinking programs that will help prepare
us for generations to come,” said Congresswoman Matsui (D-CA). “The
Residential Energy and Economic Savings Act, or TREES Act, would help reduce
energy costs for consumers and improve air quality for all Americans. My
home district of Sacramento, California has implemented a successful shade tree
program and I believe replicating this program on a national level will help
ensure that we are working towards a cleaner, healthier future.”

“ASLA lends its support to the bill because planting shade
trees and increasing overall tree canopy are effective strategies to help
dramatically lower energy bills and reduce air pollution,” said Nancy
Somerville, Hon. ASLA, executive vice president and CEO of ASLA. “ASLA is
pleased to support the TREES Act and encourages members of Congress to follow
Representative Matsui’s leadership.”

About the American Society of Landscape Architects

Founded in 1899, the
American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) is the national professional
association for landscape architects, representing more than 15,000 members in
49 professional chapters and 76 student chapters. The Society's mission is to
lead, to educate, and to participate in the careful stewardship, wise planning,
and artful design of our cultural and natural environments. Members of the
Society use the “ASLA” suffix after their names to denote membership and their
commitment to the highest ethical standards of the profession. Learn more at www.asla.org.